PERSONAL TESTIMONIES OF
by Walter Ebersbacher
T he problems of witnessing for Christ are very much the same for all believers; however, the solving of them is different for everyone. Few Christians will be able to do exactly as I have done, but all believers should be doing something about this impor tant responsibility. One day as I was working at my bench in my sign shop, I began to think along these lines . . . “ here I am asking the Lord for opportunities to witness and then I am just waiting for someone to come in and ask me to talk to them about the Lord.” It was then that I realized that it seldom happens that any one asks me about the Lord, and that if I am going to do any witnessing, I’d have to do something about it my self. I knew that the skillful direct ing of a conversation along spiritual lines was important, but I just didn’t seem to be able to do that. I knew also that many of the circumstances of daily life offer opportunities for witnessing, yet I had little success along that line. As I prayed for guidance, the Holy Spirit directed in this matter and brought the solution of my problem to my mind. I had made and placed on the wall of my shop two charts, 4 by 6 feet each having a spiritual mes sage. One chart is entitled, “ In the beginning God.” On it are a num ber of pictures which have aroused
the curiosity of many people and caused them to ask this question, “What’s that all about?” This provides the opening, and I always ask them this question, “You believe in God, don’t you?” From that point on, there is no problem. The second line of pictures shows, such scenes as the dividing of the sea and the sun stand ing still. At this point, I often run into trouble but I do find out where they stand on the Word of God. The chart closes with the words, “ Sons of God” for the purpose of informing a person that he can become a Son of God. My second chart is entitled “ Give us a sign.” This means little to the average person, but it has been the means of opening many witnessing conversations. On this chart are the different signs indicating the nearness of the return of Christ. Whenever one asks the question, “What do you think of this or that bad situation?,” I point out that the very thing that is on his mind is one of the things to expect according to the Scriptures in these latter days. I have added a third “ conversation starter.” In a conspicuous place I have placed a poster on which these words appear, “ This shop is not a church; HOWEVER, we do respect the name of Christ — will you help?” The day that I put it up, I had my first op portunity to witness. The effect of this poster has been very satisfactory. When anyone comments on it, I im mediately remind him that the day is fast approaching when we must choose to be on Christ’s side or not. Incidentally, no one has ever been offended. Even though I have these charts, the poster, a Bible, and some tracts on hand, I am always careful not to be over zealous, and I try to be a Chris tian gentleman as I witness for Christ. That is important. Although not spectacular, there is a constant witness going on in my shop, for this I praise Him. I thank God that I can be an ambassador for His glory day by day. THE KING'S BUSINESS
HOV tV** ifedoiespectfew*1® j ofChrist hl/kvW t
Biola Field Representative Ray Weiskopf looks at sign in Ebersbacher's work shop.
Bible studies over the air are tape recorded for study at leisure time. Below, Ebers- bacher checks over his Bible charts which he has used repeatedly in the Lord's work.
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